What are the causes of Varicose Veins?

Veins return blood to the heart from the legs against gravity and this is accomplished by the presence of one way valves in the veins which allow blood to flow uphill against gravity.

There are two sets of veins in the leg.

1 a deep venous system which are closer to the bone of the leg.

2 a superficial venous system which is close to the skin.

It is the superficial system close to the skin which dilates and leads to visible varicose veins.

Varicose veins occur because the wall of the veins in the leg become weak and often this is hereditary (ie if either parent have varicose veins). This weakness results in the vein dilating which prevents the valves from closing correctly. As the valves cannot close, the vein becomes leaky and instead of blood moving toward the heart, it moves backwards through the damaged valves. Pressure builds up in the leg veins and they become large, unsightly and painful varicose veins.

Very occasionally varicose veins can lead to venous ulcers which can in turn lead to significant long term problems.

Cosmetic unsightly spider and varicose veins are often the catalyst for treatment.